Angola has launched a national assessment of its preparedness to adopt artificial intelligence technologies under a methodology developed by the United Nations cultural agency, as the government seeks to anchor digital transformation in stronger regulatory and institutional frameworks.
The Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication said the country had initiated the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), a tool led by UNESCO designed to evaluate how prepared nations are to deploy AI responsibly.
The review will examine Angola’s regulatory environment, technical infrastructure and institutional capacity at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and public services worldwide.
Officials said the assessment aims to identify both opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption, ensuring that deployment aligns with human rights principles and sustainable development objectives.
“Artificial intelligence represents an opportunity to accelerate sustainable development, particularly for young people,” said Amanda Mukwashi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Angola, according to the ministry’s statement. She added that the technology must be supported by appropriate governance and regulatory safeguards.
More Read
Digital transformation drive
The initiative forms part of Angola’s 2023–2027 National Development Plan, which places digital transformation at the centre of efforts to diversify an economy heavily dependent on oil exports. Authorities see emerging technologies as tools to modernise public administration, stimulate entrepreneurship and improve service delivery.
The RAM process will assess several pillars, including digital infrastructure, data governance, legal and regulatory frameworks, skills development and the broader social and ethical implications of AI systems.
The objective, officials said, is to build public trust while fostering innovation and strengthening domestic technological capabilities.
More Read
Global rankings highlight gaps
According to the 2025 AI Readiness Index published by Oxford Insights, Angola ranked 147th globally and 26th in Africa, with a score of 27.09 out of 100. The country trails regional leaders such as Seychelles but ranks ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The continental average stands at 29.12.
The ranking underscores structural gaps in infrastructure, governance and human capital that could hinder large-scale AI deployment.
By undertaking the UNESCO-backed assessment, Angolan authorities hope to obtain a comprehensive diagnostic of strengths and weaknesses, which can inform policy reforms and targeted investments.
Responsible adoption focus
Globally, governments are grappling with how to regulate AI technologies while encouraging innovation. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity and workforce displacement have become central to policy debates.
Angola’s review is intended to anticipate such challenges and embed safeguards early in the country’s digital expansion.
Officials said the assessment would culminate in policy recommendations designed to align AI development with national priorities, including job creation, education reform and economic diversification.
More Read
As African countries increasingly integrate digital tools into governance and commerce, Angola’s initiative signals a growing recognition that technological readiness must be matched by institutional and ethical preparedness.
